Scandinavian countries — Norway, Denmark, and Sweden — have expressed strong interest in investing in and contributing to the modernization of the Philippines’ maritime sector. This comes as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is calling for the prioritization of bills for the modernization of domestic shipbuilding and the grant of special incentive package for investors.
According to Villamor Ventura S. Plan, Assistant Secretary for Maritime at the DOTr, the agency has already received multiple expressions of interest from European nations to invest in the supply of modern vessels and in shipyard and shipbuilding projects in the Philippines.
In particular, the Philippines and France are expected to soon finalize agreements for the supply of 40 fast patrol craft for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Under the agreement, French company OSEA will initially supply 20 vessels, while the remaining 20 will be constructed in the Philippines. Deployment of the first batch of patrol boats is expected by the end of next year. OSEA, which has been endorsed by the French government, will provide the initial vessels to meet the PCG’s immediate needs.
Meanwhile, Norway is financing a feasibility study for the development of electric ferries in the Philippines, further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.
To attract more foreign participation, Plan said the DOTr is advocating for Congress to prioritize the passage of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bill and the SBSR Fiscal Incentives Bill. He added that the department is preparing a letter to endorse the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) bills as priority administration measures.
Plan emphasized that passing these twin bills would encourage more companies to invest in the Philippines, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself supports the shipbuilding industry for its significant economic impact — particularly its contributions to the steel sector and job creation.
In his keynote speech, Plan highlighted the rapidly evolving global shipbuilding industry, driven by technological innovation, decarbonization goals, and shifting global supply chains. Amid these changes, he noted that the Philippines proudly ranks as the fifth-largest shipbuilding nation in the world — following China, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union — with over 130 registered shipyards and a workforce of more than 11,000 skilled professionals.
“But beyond the numbers,” Plan said, “what truly anchors our industry are the people — our shipbuilders, welders, engineers, and seafarers — whose skill, discipline, and hard work have kept this sector alive and moving forward.”
He added that this is why the government is committed to promoting innovation and global competitiveness in the maritime sector, while also “building with empathy” — investing in human capital, expanding training and employment opportunities, and ensuring inclusive growth for Filipino seafarers.
